African and French leaders who convened in Nairobi on Tuesday for the second day of the Africa Forward Summit held discussions centred on strengthening economic ties, promoting sustainable development, and reshaping Africa–France relations into what leaders described as a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership.
The summit, co-chaired by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, had brought together heads of state and government from across the continent and France in what organisers described as an implementation-focused forum aimed at delivering concrete investment opportunities, policy reforms, and actionable partnerships.
Unlike traditional diplomatic meetings, the Africa Forward Summit positioned itself as a platform focused on practical outcomes, including bankable projects, private sector partnerships, and clear commitments in key development sectors.
The agenda featured high-level plenary sessions on green industrialisation and energy transition, as well as peace and security, reflecting Africa’s growing focus on climate resilience, industrial growth, and regional stability.
40 top African and French business leaders, together with representatives from multilateral, regional, and private financing institutions, discussed matters centred on reforming the international financial system to unlock more sustainable financing for African economies.
President Ruto said Africa is seeking partnerships founded on equality and shared responsibility rather than dependency.
“We demand stronger cooperation, renewed multilateralism, and partnerships grounded not on hierarchy but on sovereign equality, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” President Ruto said.
He added that enduring partnerships must not be built on dependency but on sovereign equality, mutually beneficial investments, and win-win engagements.
President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Africa’s peace and development agenda, saying the continent remains central to global growth and international cooperation.
“Together with Kenya, we will champion this agenda throughout the year at the United Nations and during the G7. France and Europe will always stand alongside Africa in supporting the continent’s aspirations for peace and prosperity,” President Macron said.
The discussions build on momentum from the Africa Forward Business and Youth Forum held on Monday, which attracted more than 2,500 business leaders, investors, and young innovators.
The summit also hosted four thematic roundtable discussions on the blue economy, sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and resilient health systems.
The two-day summit concluded with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, a framework expected to outline policy positions, investment commitments, and sector partnerships aimed at deepening Africa–France cooperation while promoting transparency and accountability.
With Africa increasingly viewed as a driver of global innovation and economic growth, the summit was seen as a major diplomatic moment positioning the continent as a strategic partner in addressing global challenges.
This year’s summit is historic, as it was being hosted for the first time in a non-Francophone African country, signalling what organisers termed a deliberate effort to broaden and modernise Africa–France relations.
By Wangari Ndirangu
